Sunday morning Walter was awake at 6.00am. He looked down and could see Paige cuddled up tight against him , her head resting on his bare chest , her mouth was making a low purring sound , similar to that of a small kitten snuggled up to it's mom . Walter knew this meant she was in a deep contented sleep , he always knew not to wake her up when she was this contented , the chances were for a few seconds she would change from a kitten to a moma bear .
After about thirty minutes Paige began to stir , her left arm had been lightly resting across Walter's abdomen , suddenly rose up and came down on his abdomen so hard it caused him to give out a loud .
" URRGH . "
At that Paige's eyes shot open and for a few seconds she was a little disorientated , but she got a smell of Walter in her nose and calmed down .
" Good morning my Prince . " She said as she raised her head off Walter's chest , she raised her head further so that she could look into Walter's face , a big smile broke out on both of their faces .
" Good morning my Queen , i trust you slept well ?"
" It was a deep sleep , helped i think by that glass of Guinness , but it was such a good night , I don't think i have had such a good night out for years . Everyone seemed so friendly . "
" I am pleased you enjoyed it , i hope you will be able to enjoy a lot more good nights out . I would love to stay like this for the rest of the day , but we do have a very important meeting at the church at 10.30am. , which means we will need to leave here around 9.30am. to be at the farm by 10.00am. to go with mom and dad . " Replied Walter .
Paige decided she would have the first shower , then while Walter showered and got dressed , she would start breakfast . By 8.00am, Paige had breakfast ready . At this time she was dressed in one of Walter's shirts and a small pair of panties .
Walter walked in to the living / kitchen area of the flat and saw Paige , his legs went weak and all he could manage was a stuttered " Wow ! "
" You like what you see ? " Teased Paige .
Walter nodded his head as he sat on a chair by the table before he fell down .
" I told you i would make it worth your while if you went to church with me . Tonight i will really make it worth your while , NERD .
Walter gulped as Paige approached him and put a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him .
" Now eat that up like a good little boy , while i change into something a little more suitable for church . " She leaned over to him and kissed his cheek . " See you later , buster . " She turned and made her way to the bedroom .
Walter watched her every step as she provocatively moved across the floor . Walter closed his eyes so he could calm down , " Boy what that woman does to me " These thoughts went through his head .
By the time Walter had managed to finish his breakfast and washed up the dirty items , Paige appeared back into the living area . Walter's eyes went wide as he saw her enter . She was wearing a pale blue dress , short sleeved and a hem that finished just below the knee , the dress was finished with a dark blue piping around the cuffs , the hem and waist . Paige complimented it with a pair of low heel black slingback shoes . The only jewelry she wore apart from the engagement ring on her left ring finger, was a small gold crucifix on a fine gold chain , which she wore around her neck . She wore her hair loose , so her Burnette hair just bounced on her shoulders . Her make up was to please Walter , so it was very suttle ,but beautifully applied .
" You look stunning Paige all eyes will be on you when you enter the church . " He managed to say without much of a stutter .
" You cut a fine figure yourself Mr. O'Brian . , i may have to fight off a few of your admires. " Paige said with a glint in her eye and a smile on her face .
Walter was dressed in his usual blue shirt , black pants and black Oxford shoes . But for some reason Paige thought he looked even more handsome today than she had ever seen him .
At 9.15am. they decided to make their way to the farm , they arrived thirty minutes later . Louise opened the door with a big smile on her face . She hugged Paige and then Walter , she ushered them both into the house .
" You look absolutely gorgeous Paige ,i think you will show everyone else up at the church . " Louise told Paige .
" She always does . " Agreed Walter .
" I only tried to dress suitable for church , do you think i have gone over the top ? "
" No sweetheart you are just a gorgeous lady ." Said Louise .
Walter looked Paige straight in the eyes , a look of love on his face .
" If you wore a black bin liner you would still be gorgeous and look the best dressed . "
" I am not sure that is really true , but i will accept that compliment from you , my champion knight in shiny armor . " Paige replied , as she reached over and gently stroked Walter's cheek .
Just then Sean came down the stairs .
" Good morning kids . "
" Morning dad ." Walter and Paige replied .
Sean approached Paige and gave her a hug and shook Walter's hand .
The four of them went to church in Sean's Defender . They pulled up in the church's car park , it was now 10.15am. . They all got out of the car and walked towards the church , they turned the corner and Paige stopped in her tracks when she saw the church .
It was not a big building , it was built in a grey granite blocks , there was a small bell tower , to the right of the bell tower were a pair of weather worn oak doors with curved tops . Paige began walking towards the doors , gripping tight to Walter's arm '
" What a beautiful little church , do you know how old it is ? " She asked Walter , Walter looked at her , for the first time since he had known her some six years ago he was stuck for an answer .
" I have no idea . "
" Have i actually stumped Mr. 197 O'Brian ? " She said with a laugh in her voice .
" Yes ! Maybe dad will know . " Suggested Walter .
Paige turned to Sean and in a serious voice said . " Dad do you know when this church was built ?"
Sean stopped walking , the other three following suit . " Well there as been a church on this site since the 9th century . This one was built in the mid 19th century , the bell tower was added at the turn of the century . "
Paige was really surprised that the church was that old . She turned to Sean. " It is one of the most beautiful little churches i have seen . "
Sean smiled at her and simply said . " Wait until you see inside . "
With that he began walking again Louise slipped her arm in his arm and walked with him . Paige linked arms with Walter and followed . As they approached the doors opened and Father O'Connor stepped out .
" I am so pleased to see the four of you as i am sure a lot of the congregation will be . "
Sean shook his hand . " Well Paige seems to have done another miracle , she as got Walter to come to church . "
" Maybe i should lock the door once he gets inside . " Suggested Father O'Connor . Walter looked at Paige and shook his head .
" He his only joking , if he isn't he will have me to answer to. " Paige whispered to Walter .
Paige looked at Father O'Connor and asked . " You were joking were you not ? "
Father O'Connor's face broke out into a smile and simply said . " Yes . " Paige pulled Walter a little closer .
" Follow me . " Said Father O'Connor , he entered through the doors into a vestibule , church notices adorned the walls . In front of them was another pair of double doors , these were open but clearly visible were the carved angels , one on each door , Paige took a deep breath in as she looked at them .
" What beautiful and detailed carvings . "
Father O'Connor turned to Paige . " I believe the doors are original , but apparently a parishioner carved the angels during the early 30's . His wife was seriously ill , doctors did not have any idea what to do to help . He approached the priest who arranged a prayer meeting to pray for her health . A few days after the meeting his wife began to improve and two weeks later she attended a church service . Her husband as a means of a thank you did the carvings of the angel . "
" What a beautiful story , thank you for telling us . " Said Paige her voice full of gratitude .
Father O'Connor left them and made his way to the vestry . The other four entered the church , as they turned to walk up the aisle . Paige stopped and stood staring at the magnificent stained glass window , at the end of the church over the high alter .
" Wow! " Is all she could say . The center of the window was the Nativity , on one side the Crucifixion of Christ , on the other side the Ascension of Christ to Heaven . . The sun was shining through it sending a multitude of colors over the high alter .
Sean and Louise carried on walking towards the pew they usually sat in , third row from the front right hand side . As they all walked up the aisle all eyes in the congregation followed them . On reaching their seats Sean followed by the two ladies and Walter bring up the rear , sat down .
Paige turned to Walter and asked . " Are you Alright ?"
" Yes . " Walter replied .
" If you start getting worked up again , squeeze my hand and it will calm you down . " Said Paige in the calming voice she had used in the past .
Before Paige had chance to ask Sean about the stained glass window , Father O'Connor appeared out of the vestry door now clad in all his splendor . He walked up to the front alter rail and began speaking .
Good morning and welcome to the church of the Virgin Mary . Before i begin this mornings service , i would like to welcome Paige Dineen , Walter O'Brian and his parents Louise and Sean . A lot of you will know them and what they did last Wednesday , for those that don't . These four people are responsible for taking the lead in arranging and carrying out the rescue at the school following the explosion . " 'As he finished speaking the congregation broke into applause , the four people turned in their seats and acknowledged the applause .
Father O'Connor silenced the congregation and made his way to the pulpit . After the first hymn , which Paige joined in with gusto . Father O'Connor gave his sermon , based on The Good Samaritan . During most of the sermon he constantly glanced in the direction of the Dineen /O'Brian group .
After prayers and another hymn , Father O'Connor bought the service to a close .
Father O'Connor met up with Walter and Paige outside , to wish them well on their engagement . He also wanted to compliment her on her singing voice , that he told her he heard her voice above everyone else .
On the way back to the farm Paige asked Sean if he knew anything about the stained glass window . Sean told her what he knew was very little , but he thought that the library had details of many of the buildings in Callen .
Paige looked across at Walter . " Ok we will go and look tomorrow . "
Once back at the farm , Louise went to make coffee and insisted they stay for lunch and an evening meal , which Uncle Tobin always shared with them every Sunday and he was looking forward to seeing them .
Louise bought the coffee in and poured everyone a cup . Paige kept talking about the church , how beautiful , how cute a perfect little church .
Louise looked at both Walter and Paige . " It would be a good place for you two to get married in . "
Paige gave a small smile . " It would be perfect but unfortunately it can never happen . "
Louise looked at her . " My dear child , why can't it ever happen ?"
" Walter is divorced . "
Sean almost threw his coffee cup onto the table and stood up .
" Walter was married , why as he never told us . So typical , so selfish , so Walter ." Sean shouted at the top of his voice , as he made to approach Walter , his face full of anger , his fists balled at his side .
Paige immediately got on her feet . " Mr. O'Brian ! " She shouted , her voice full of venom . " Sit down NOW and listen to Walter's explanation . "
" Explanation it is just pure selfishness , just like he has always been . " Retorted Sean .
" Sit down NOW or we walk out that door now , never to return , just think what you could be missing . No grandchildren , no son , no daughter . " Paige had now changed her voice to one of quiet determination , as she put out her hand to help Walter stand stand up from the sofa .
Louise looked at Sean , dark anger in her eyes . " You had better sit down , or there will be three people walking out that door and out of your life . "
Sean looked at Louise , defeated , his shoulders dropped and his head dropped , his chin on his chest . He turned and shuffled back to his chair . " Ok i will listen , i am sorry i lost it . " Sean managed to say before a tear rolled down his cheek .
" I am sorry dad , but the past few days you have been able to accept Walter for who he his and i think he has proved he knows what he is doing . " Paige explained to Sean in her soothing voice .
She then turned to Walter . " Would you like to tell your dad , you know more about it than i do ?"
Walter nodded , then explained to his parents how Happy had agreed to marry him , so he could get a visa to stay in the States . He emphasized that it was purely a marriage of convenience . The only physical contact , a very awkward kiss at the end of the Vegas ceremony .
" So you never consummated the marriage . " Sean asked .
Walter nodded his head .
" What did you put on your divorce papers ? "
" Inconsolable differences . " Replied Walter .
" Oh why did you put that ? " Queried Louise .
Paige took over . " Homeland pushed it through which meant immigration were all over it . But in the end Walter was given a Presidential visa . "
" Is it possible Father O'Connor could do something , so he could marry you in the church . " Queried Louise .
" Is there any way you could get confirmation that the marriage was not consummated . " Asked Sean .
" I suppose we could get Happy to confirm through a notary . " Paige suggested .
" When we get back to the States ,we can arrange that and maybe fly back to speak to Father O'Connor . " Walter suggested .
" I will put some feelers out next Sunday , will you still be here ? " Louise asked hoping the answer would be yes .
" Unlikely we are thinking of flying back Saturday , as i have a lot to do mainly fixing up some work . " Answered Walter .
They had a light lunch , Sean was still a little quiet so after lunch , Paige took him outside to the porch .
" I hope i did not offend you , but whenever Walter is attacked i will defend him , with my life if i need to . "
" I understand and i appreciate how much you love Walter . It is me that i am mad at , as you said i have been getting on well with Walter and i let my temper get the better of me . "
Paige moved closer to him and gave him a hug and a peck on his cheek .
" Lets go back in and forget that little disagreement . "
Sean smiled and held his arm out , Paige put her arm inside his and they walked back inside together .
Around 3.00pm. Paige's phone rang the screen showing Ralph .They spent the next hour chatting . Everyone spoke to him ,Walter and Paige explained about the explosion .
Once the phone call was over , Louise made her way to the kitchen and much to Paige's surprise she asked if she would like to join her and help prepare the food . Paige immediately agreed .
As they left the living area Sean turned to Walter .
" Obviously girl talk . "
Walter looked a little confused so Sean tried to explain .
" I am not much good at what women talk about . However i am sure Louise will want to know what Paige told me when she took me out on the porch . No doubt your mom will want to know how you have been since getting back with Paige , you can bet your mom will soon turn to wedding plans . "
" But we have already explained to you both about the problem we have with my divorce . " Walter emphasized to Sean .
" Do you think that will stop your mom from wanting to talk about wedding plans . "
" I guess not . " Replied a smiling Walter .
" I need to go check on sheep in the top field . Do you want to come ? " Sean asked .
" It will be better than stopping here on my own . " Replied Walter as he stood up .
At 7.00pm. Uncle Tobin arrived he was accompanied by Connor and Thomas who had pushed him over in his wheelchair .
Walter approached Connor and Thomas . " I did not get a chance to thank you for your help the other day . It was very much appreciated by everyone . "
" That's alright in fact it felt good to be able to work with you . Replied Connor .
Paige approached Uncle Tobin .
" It is so nice to meet you , but i am not sure what to call you . "
" Everybody tends to call me Uncle Tobin , so i am happy with that . "
" Then it is really good to meet you Uncle Tobin . " Said Paige has she bent down and kissed him on the cheek .
" It as been a long time since such an attractive young lady has given me a kiss . " Uncle Tobin with a big smile on his face remarked .
" My Pleasure . " Said Paige giving him one of her cute smiles .
Thomas and Connor both accepted Louise's invitation to stay to dinner . They all enjoyed a well cooked Irish meal .
Once everything was cleared away Louise made coffee and everyone sat around chatting .
Uncle Tobin asked what Walter and Paige had done before they split up . Walter told him that most of the work they did they could not tell him about .
After a quick conversation with Paige it was decided Paige could relate four stories of their adventures . After about a hour Paige had told the stories she had told Steve and the Garda plus this time she added the story of the Ghost hunt on the Queen Mary .
Everyone of them could not believe just what a mind power and the amount of courage Walter had shown in all of the stories , also that Paige had also put so much into each of the adventures .
At 10.00pm. Connor and Thomas took Uncle Tobin home . Soon after Walter and Paige said their goodnights and promised to come to lunch the next day .
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